Yoga practices are helpful for holistic health: Shastri

Sports officer, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Patanjali, Haridwar and NIS Patiala coach Dr Kapil Shastri spoke on the importance of yoga during the ongoing Karate and Sports Seminar for Physical and Spiritual Development of players.

The seminar is organised by Karate Budokan International (Vidarbha Region) and hosted by Kyoshi Harish Choube, National Chief Instructor and Examiner, Karate Budokan International and Sports Coordinator.

Dr Shasri said yoga can have a calming restorative effect on the mind and body of players. "Especially in present pandemic times, yoga practices are helpful for holistic health. Yoga means union; it is the union of body and mind, mind and soul and describes a healthy lifestyle using it. Yoga is not just Asanas, Pranayama but is more than that. The meaning of 'Yum', Brahmacharya, and proper diet, and positive thoughts, frugal lifestyle like that practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and to include them in our life was advised," said Dr Shastri. Ayurveda, its relevance and application in health was also mentioned. Certain queries on specific problems were also answered by the speaker. Dr Shastri said yoga can have a calming restorative effect on the mind and body. "Yoga, asanas, pranayama and meditation are particularly useful to control your stress levels in players. Yoga can also help control blood pressure. Holistic practices such as yoga can drastically improve the quality of your life. Yoga improves the functioning of your organs, strengthens your immunity, uplifts the mood and brings a plethora of additional benefits in the life of a player. To support a healthy lifestyle, a player can adopt a healthy diet, cut down on salt intake, and get quality sleep in order to feel refreshed and energetic each morning," he said. The second speaker of the day was Sanjay Athavale, Director, Spiritual Solutions, Reiki Divine, BIMA, Ex-Govt of India and Govt of Maharashtra State Service Gr A Officer. Athavale informed participants about the opportunities in Government department. He said there are hundreds of employment opportunities in and sportspersons can become an IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IRTS, IAAS, IDAS, IES, ISS, Dy/Asst Commandant in Paramilitary Forces, can get jobs in Customs, union Territories Civil and Police Services; SSC (Staff Selection Commission) for Government of India Subordinate Services like Inspectors of Central Excise, Customs, CBI, Assistants, etc; Ministry of Defence and Officers and NCOs through SSBs, NDA, OTS etc; PSEB (Public Enterprises Selection Board) for various positions in PEs. Looking at the overwhelming response to the seminar, Kyoshi Harish Choube informed that the same would be extended till May 10. "There are lots of enquiries on various topics by the participants during the sessions. Hence, it has been decided to extend the current session by ten more days till May 10," said Choube. Sensei Archisha Motghare (Karate Budokan International) proposed a vote of thanks.